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Monthly Archives: October 2012

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The Balinese have been cultivating rice for centuries. King Petru is said to have received the gift of some rice grains as a present from a god. The goddess Sri is said to have had to hide the grains away to protect them form the demon who wanted to steal the grains away. Many temples and rice paddies are dedicated to the goddess Sri. Rice is thus extremely important as it no only feeds the Balinese it is also very sacred.

A huge part of the Island has been cleared to to create rice terraces which are visually beautiful and also amazing in their sophisticated techniques of irrigation. The colours alter depending on the plantations and at which stage the crop is at. The rice will grow up to 60 cm in height and then it is ready for harvest. Ducks are used to fertilize the terraces and rice is part of most meals, ceremonies and offerings in Balinese Hindu Culture.

Just on the left heading up to Canggu, past the Kerobokan intersection you will find Warung D’ Sawah, set amongst the rice paddies, with loads of grass for children to play, you enter through a beautiful little garden. The food is good with some traditional Indo favourites, the Bebek Goreng ( fried Duck) is really worth a try and I think you will be happy with the prices also.

You will have noticed that kites of all shapes and sizes are always flying around the island. The children love them however they are actually very important to the adults. From June until September it is the windy season in Bali and the ancient tradition of kite building and flying is taken to a whole new level with huge competitions particularly in Sanur. There is an old tale of a sacred kite which was said to carry Ratu Atu or Saint Beautiful, protecting a particular village from an epidemic and since this time all kites are considered important. There is a great kite shop just before you get to the intersection on Jl. Kerobokan.

We’re heading to Bali mid next year & I am very excited! Hubby & I have not been away (sans kids) since the having of them – which by then will be 8 yrs ago. As far as I’m concerned we never really had a ‘proper’ honeymoon, & certainly no babymoons – so I figure we owe ourselves a little trip. It’s only proper wouldn’t you say?

There’s a problem. I have been all over the internet looking up accommodation & I am completely overwhelmed by the sheer choice! Villa? Boutique Hotel? Swanky resort? Beach? Laneway? Poolbar – these are still popular surely? I have been asking everyone what they think & thus far it’s been absolutely no help & I am more confused than ever! I’m pinning some hope on Little Miss Bali who run a great facebook page chock full of all things Bali – what a…

I am frequently asked to suggest Orphanages for tourists to donate toys and old clothes and visit an orphanage to demonstrate to their own children that there are people in the world that are a lot less well off. Whilst I totally appreciate the sentiment of generosity. I think it is important to keep in mind that the Orphanage is a refuge, a safe haven, a home. The babies, children and young people in the orphanage should be entitled to total privacy and dignity. Whilst charities struggle to raise awareness of their needs without offering the open door policy. Please consider the true reasons behind visiting, is it for your benefit or for the babies and children’s. Most ethically run Charities will be able to provide you with a list of what is urgently needed and more often than not they require food, medicine and cash donations. Have a read of this eye opening article;

If you have been wanting to contribute to an ethically run transparent, vital, not for profit in Bali then consider supporting Bali Kid’s. Having worked with homeless young people for close on 18 years myself, I support this program whole heartedly. Every Rupiah counts, what may be small change to you could be providing basic life provisions such as food, water, medicine, care and shelter to an infant, child or young person. Give back to the island which has offered you and your family so much xxxhttp://balikids.org/about-our-purpose.php

Many years ago whilst laying poolside, with boring mock tail in hand, heavily pregnant, pondering how our life was going to change when the wiggly, hiccuping, indigestion creating, creature would arrive. I noticed a chubby, happy, white baby being overly protected and totally enthralled by a Balinese woman in a smart white uniform in the hotel garden. I thought hmmm what’s going on there ? Then out if the corner of my eye I saw a couple in their Bali going out finest ( shorts, Tshirt, dress and thongs) wander over and kiss the baby and wave goodbye and pretty much skipped off into the sunset. The white suited woman tickled and sang as the baby giggled in delight. I thought to my self I have got to get myself one of those.

I must share my excitement of a meal we had the other night. Anticipating the opening of Mozaic Beach Club Batu Belig, we had waited a few weeks for it to settle in. With very high hopes it did deliver. We booked early enough to appreciate the sunset over the ocean and from the fine dining decking it was perfect. Ordering a berry / rose sparkling cocktail to start followed two complimentary tasters. First featuring truffles the second with tuna tartare, Mozaic had me hook, line and sinker. I ordered my scallops as per usual and they were absolutely sublime perfectly cooked and with a beautiful presentation. A suitable amount of time passed before the arrival of my main. A spatchcock dish again tender, moist, perfect. I Loved it and there was heaps on the plate, too much for me. A small baby leaf salad with mustard dressing was the perfect compliment with the meal. Allowing time to rest after the mains I ordered the chocolate fondant and it was well worth the wait. A delectable balance of cake to lava ratio, combined with ice cream and enjoyed to the very last bite. All this was washed down by a beautiful Velvety Merlot. Whilst not being totally sold on the downstairs poolside area or even the decor of the upstairs decor. We were totally impressed by the food and service and will be returning frequently!http://www.mozaic-beachclub.com/

Flowers are very important in Balinese culture. They are used daily in prayer, offerings, blessings and symbolise purity and sincerity. The Lotus is particularly sacred. It’s eight petals are said to be the image of the universe and the home of the god Hyang Widi.